[chrisnchris]

I don't know if this is of any use, but this is my broad bean experience, so far.

Bl***dy squirrel nutkin dug all mine up the first year I tried them. Spring planted at about 4" tall....every single one.... squirrel nutkin doesn't visit anymore

2nd year not a success, pods looked full but only contained a couple of beans, again Spring planted, they did get a bit leggy before planting out.

This year's crop were seed sown directly into the ground in Oct & germinated in 2-3 weeks (I think) They grew to about 2"-3" & stopped, I had them covered from planting the seeds till early Feb with very thin black plastic netting about 3/4" mesh from B&Q.
They spent a good 2 weeks covered in snow
I raised the netting up on bricks as the plants grew but gave up at about 6"

The variety has always been Aquadulce

My Dad & a friend have both done the same thing this year & between us we've planted about 150 seeds. Collectively we have only had 6 failures so we must be doing something right 

No idea what that might be though

I just hope the harvest lives up to my expectations

Oh, & I will shortly be asking stupid qustions about runner beans

Chris